Warhorse Casino (62nd & Q Street)

jomaha9 · Post by **jomaha9** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:22 am

This is interesting.

https://www.ketv.com/article/new-render ... a/34996673

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:32 am

It's just too bad they could not have built it elsewhere.

Greg

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:56 am

Yeah, you'd hate to ruin the scenic 72nd and Q corridor.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:12 am

jomaha9 wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:22 am This is interesting.

https://www.ketv.com/article/new-render ... a/34996673

Developers hope to break ground in the spring, state leaders are also expected to pass rules and regulations in early 2021.

They are jumping right into it. It looks like the multistory building is a giant parking garage. If this is built, does this give a boost to Ralston?

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:36 am

Big E wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:56 am Yeah, you'd hate to ruin the scenic 72nd and Q corridor.

Complete opposite of what I mean. Would have rather seen it end up somewhere closer to downtown. It's not like that it will spur any sort of development around it. Ralston probably benefits the most. Might help their places around Ralston arena.

The roads in and out of that place are not the best either.

I realize they are going there becuase the track was already there. But let's face it, as far as horsetracks go, that place is barebones and could have been built anew elsewhere.

Greg

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:37 am

ita wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:12 am
jomaha9 wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 8:22 am This is interesting.

https://www.ketv.com/article/new-render ... a/34996673

Developers hope to break ground in the spring, state leaders are also expected to pass rules and regulations in early 2021.
They are jumping right into it. It looks like the multistory building is a giant parking garage. If this is built, does this give a boost to Ralston?

I think it does. Ralston definitely stands to benefit the most.

jomaha9 · Post by **jomaha9** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:45 am

This video has a better rendering.

[youtube][/youtube]
It reminds me of the smaller casinos you see in the outskirts of Vegas. Those casinos usually cater to locals who don't want the touristy things the Strip or Fremont Street have.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:50 am

Fixed your line and added the youtube /youtube to it so its imbeded.

jomaha9 · Post by **jomaha9** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:54 am

Brad wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:50 am Fixed your line and added the youtube /youtube to it so its imbeded.

Thank you! I am relatively new at posting here and forgot the finer details.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 10:26 am

jomaha9 wrote: Thu Dec 17, 2020 9:45 am This video has a better rendering.

[youtube][/youtube]
It reminds me of the smaller casinos you see in the outskirts of Vegas. Those casinos usually cater to locals who don't want the touristy things the Strip or Fremont Street have.

Thanks for the video. I pulled the website of the architectural firm that posted the video. They specialize in these type of casinos.

https://www.i5design.com/

It looks like they are just renovating the current main building and adding on a multistory extension. While I am not a gambler, it will be interesting to see how this turns out.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 11:32 am

It states this is going to have 1,500 gaming seats, not sure if that is just slot or tables as well, but for comparison here are the CB casino specs:

Horseshoe: 1,378 slots, 67 table games, 60,000 sq ft
Harrahs: 484 slots, 18 table games, 21,500 sq ft
Ameristar: 1,422 slots, 24 table games, 38,500 sq ft

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Thu Dec 17, 2020 11:35 am

Let us not forget that the same hard core people in this state who were suing other states just last week in an attempt to overturn the results of a presidential election are the same folks who have to grant license approval for this casino to move forward. These people bought their way into power because they love telling us all what to do and one of their greatest joys would be to stall this project out as long as they can.

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri May 28, 2021 10:31 am

Here is the TIF submission. There are several renderings of the interior.

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... une/12.pdf

Taco · Post by **Taco** » Fri May 28, 2021 4:41 pm

Their design aesthetic reminds me of a 2010-era family chain restaurant. Already seems outdated.

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Fri May 28, 2021 7:32 pm

ita wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 10:31 am Here is the TIF submission. There are several renderings of the interior.

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... une/12.pdf

No doubt about it. This sets the bar at a new low for the most disgusting abuse of TIFs. I did not think it could get any worse then the bar owners and apartment owners abuse of TIF handouts but I was wrong. The casino claims that they could not do this project without the 18 million dollar TIF they are getting.

The restaurants in this new Casino look worthless. The sports book looks pretty worthless too. Oh well its better then nothing!

OmahaFan · Post by **OmahaFan** » Fri May 28, 2021 7:56 pm

Why are you always so negative? Nothing positive from you

OmahaFan · Post by **OmahaFan** » Fri May 28, 2021 7:56 pm

I for one am looking forward to this getting built

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri May 28, 2021 8:06 pm

So just to make sure I'm not mistaken, they are keeping the existing building, renovating it, and adding two new sections to it, right? Looks pretty small.

Anyway, it looks like any other casino to me. I bet I'll find myself in there from time to time.

legato9 · Post by **legato9** » Sat May 29, 2021 1:44 pm

Curious if anyone knows how the building rights were issued? Wonder why Caesar’s or some such organization isn’t doing it…

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Jun 01, 2021 9:29 am

legato9 wrote: Sat May 29, 2021 1:44 pm Curious if anyone knows how the building rights were issued? Wonder why Caesar’s or some such organization isn’t doing it…

Maybe Omaha just isn't on the radar right now for them.

Casinos seem to be popping up everywhere. So perhaps they would rather let the small fries grab the small markets, and themselves focus on the tourist drawing markets, like Vegas and not steal their own thunder...

I also voted to legalize gambling, but never gamble. Vegas is one of my least favorite spots... There, Orlando and Oklahoma. So Although I support this, I am exactly 0 percent excited. I do hope it benefits Omaha in some way though.

riceweb · Post by **riceweb** » Tue Jun 01, 2021 12:30 pm

GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 7:32 pm
ita wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 10:31 am Here is the TIF submission. There are several renderings of the interior.

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... une/12.pdf
No doubt about it. This sets the bar at a new low for the most disgusting abuse of TIFs. I did not think it could get any worse then the bar owners and apartment owners abuse of TIF handouts but I was wrong. The casino claims that they could not do this project without the 18 million dollar TIF they are getting. The restaurants in this new Casino look worthless. The sports book looks pretty worthless too. Oh well its better then nothing!

TIF can basically be thought of as universal for any projects over a certain $ amount. Governments like approving them because there are no significant short-term issues with approving TIF, and they like the power they can hold over developers with the threat of withholding TIF if a certain project doesn't meet expectations in some way. Though obviously it's kinda like a queen's veto; it seems like governments never actually deny TIF, but developers also only ever submit for TIF when they're already confident they'll get approval (i.e. they would have never made initial investment steps unless they had their ducks in a row).

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jun 01, 2021 12:44 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri May 28, 2021 8:06 pm So just to make sure I'm not mistaken, they are keeping the existing building, renovating it, and adding two new sections to it, right? Looks pretty small.

Anyway, it looks like any other casino to me. I bet I'll find myself in there from time to time.

Correct, the main building is staying put and adding on to it.

It appears they removed the parking garage.

Hope they improve Q Street as part of this.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Tue Jun 01, 2021 2:07 pm

Brad wrote: Tue Jun 01, 2021 12:44 pm

It appears they removed the parking garage.

Hope they improve Q Street as part of this.

That stinks about removing the parking garage.

I believe I did read that they are doing some improvements to Q St adding a turning lane and also extending/improving the bike access to the Keystone Trail.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Feb 17, 2022 1:26 pm

Officials hoping to break ground on Omaha casino by late spring

Many are anxious to find out when they’ll be able to gamble at a casino in Nebraska. Officials tell 6 News the process is slow, but it’s coming.

“It’s going to be a massive undertaking, there will be a hotel in Lincoln, the facility in Omaha will look much different than it looks now but I think Nebraskans will be very, very thrilled with the end result, and we can’t wait for them to open,” says Lynne McNally with Nebraska Horsemen’s.

But before construction begins, existing racetracks need their gaming licenses, and before they get their gaming licenses, the rules and regulations for gaming needs to be approved.

Those rules passed their first hurdle in December: They were written and approved by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.

“Those rules are then sent to the Attorney General’s office and they’re currently in the Attorney General’s office, and we expect to see some feedback or response from the AG office in the next couple of weeks,” says Tom Sage, the director of the Racing and Gaming Commission.

After the rules and regulations are approved by the attorney general, they head to the Governor’s desk.

After approval from Ricketts, the rules head to their final destination: the Secretary of State’s office. After five days there, they take effect.

Omababe · Post by **Omababe** » Sun Feb 20, 2022 8:08 am

LOL, there is a certain, uh, "nickname" for this casino that seems to be catching on.

Just think of a similarly-sounding two-syllable name that is a synonym for brothel.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Sun Feb 20, 2022 11:50 am

Omababe wrote: Sun Feb 20, 2022 8:08 am LOL, there is a certain, uh, "nickname" for this casino that seems to be catching on. Just think of a similarly-sounding two-syllable name that is a synonym for brothel.

It worked for Vegas for decades.... What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and a lot happens in Vegas...and sometimes not everything stays in Vegas...sometimes your doctor gives you a pill and some cream. Or so I've heard....

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon May 30, 2022 10:03 am

Omaha casino eyes summer groundbreaking

If all goes as planned, gamblers could hit the jackpot as soon as next spring in Omaha.

WarHorse Gaming — a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska — intends to break ground this summer on what it calls a “dynamic casino, racing and entertainment complex” at the current site of Horsemen’s Park near 63rd and Q Streets.

The plan involves significant renovations to the existing complex as well as nearly 67,000 square feet in new construction and expansion, according to documents submitted to the City of Omaha last year.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 6:12 pm

WarHorse Gaming announces application to operate casinos in Omaha and Lincoln

KMTV 3 News Now

WarHorse Gaming announced in a press release on Thursday that it submitted an official application to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission for a gaming license.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 6:42 pm

First applications for casinos in Nebraska submitted Thursday

Tom Sage said he’s never deposited two $1 million checks before in his life. But on Thursday, the director of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission marched the hefty checks to the bank. It signaled that the first applications have been made to open casinos under the state’s voter-approved legalization of Las Vegas-style gambling. A $1 million application fee is required of any new casino, and on Thursday, officials with Warhorse Gaming in Omaha and Lincoln submitted fees. The submissions came shortly after the State Racing and Gaming Commission, meeting in Lincoln, announced that the agency was ready to accept applications.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 6:41 pm

Construction near 60th & Q for casino give headaches to homeowners, businesses

(WOWT) - Warhorse Casino will take the place of Horsemen’s Park. But first Q Street between 60th and 72nd Street will have to be widened to handle the predicted increase in traffic. The business owner near 60th and Q said construction here could go on for about two months. This is the first stage of a 10-12 month project. Construction crews are working to make Q Street wider, right now all this work is putting the brakes on Bryant Moran’s business.

The widened street will also include turn lanes. Warhorse Casino operators will pick up the $8 million tab for the Q Street road improvements.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Wed Aug 24, 2022 9:30 pm

It's a pain but badly needed. Trying to get out of Horseman's during the Kentucky Derby or live racing is a nightmare.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:05 am

Nebraska commission approves casino operator license for Omaha WarHorse complex

omaha.com wrote:The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission approved a gaming operator license for the future WarHorse Gaming casino, racing and entertainment complex located at Horsemen’s Park in Omaha. But the commission’s approval wasn’t unanimous Wednesday as Commissioner Jeffrey Galyen expressed numerous criticisms of the application for the complex, which is owned by Ho-Chunk Inc. Ho-Chunk CEO Lance Morgan and Nebraska Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association CEO Lynne McNally requested the license to be approved Wednesday to secure $700 million in financing and keep on track with the complex’s renovation and expansion, which began in July near 63rd and Q Streets. The financing will pay for the WarHorse complexes in Omaha and Lincoln as well as a five-story parking garage and more than 1,400 gaming positions, McNally said in an interview. McNally noted to the commission that the complex is located directly along a city bus route.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Dec 25, 2022 8:42 pm

New Omaha casino expected to open in 2024, support state with tax revenue

Craig Nigrelli, WOWT wrote:We are getting a better idea about when the new casino at Horsemen’s Park in Omaha will start taking your money or doling it out. Nebraska voters approved the project two years ago. Even on a cold, snowy, winter day in Omaha, construction equipment has been buzzing about and crews are hard at work at Horsemen’s Park at 64th and Q in Omaha. The casino will open in early 2024, with 2023 being a big year for the construction.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Dec 27, 2022 3:08 pm

Update on construction activity for new Omaha casino

An update on the progress on an Omaha casino

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 3:52 am

If you’re upset they’re using TIF for this, it’s likely because you have no clue how TIF actually works.

They are improving a facility by renovating (and building new) and in doing so, increasing the tax base due to the increased property value (not to mention the tax revenue from the casino, construction jobs, etc). So this 100% qualifies.

Also, SO MANY uninformed people think TIF is some grant/hand out program. It isn’t - it’s a loan that has to be repaid with interest (though the interest may not start immediately).

TIF has proven over and over it’s PROFITABLE for the city. Projects get built that maybe wouldn’t (or wouldn’t as quickly anyway or to the same extent), Omaha itself grows, tax revenue increases as a result, jobs are added, additional development occurs as a result. It’s literally a win-win for everyone. Yet people constantly drone on and on about it as if it’s being “abused” with nearly every project (often the “classy” uninformed people posting in the comments on the World Herald site in my experience).

I intentionally didn’t quote any comment in my reply. This isn’t a comment directed toward any single person (though there is a cringeworthy comment above from a couple years ago that motivated me to make this post). I’m just saying if you think the project is somehow abusing TIF because it’s a casino, maybe read up on how TIF actually works and what the benefits are before publicly posting a complaint about it.

Just my 2 cents.

windsor · Post by **windsor** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:38 pm

stormchaser wrote: Wed Dec 28, 2022 3:52 am If you’re upset they’re using TIF for this, it’s likely because you have no clue how TIF actually works.

You are exactly right. This has been pointed out over and over but the anti TIF people just don't care.

stormchaser wrote: Wed Dec 28, 2022 3:52 am They are improving a facility by renovating (and building new) and in doing so, increasing the tax base due to the increased property value (not to mention the tax revenue from the casino, construction jobs, etc). So this 100% qualifies.

Also, SO MANY uninformed people think TIF is some grant/hand out program. It isn’t - it’s a loan that has to be repaid with interest (though the interest may not start immediately).

TIF has proven over and over it’s PROFITABLE for the city. Projects get built that maybe wouldn’t (or wouldn’t as quickly anyway or to the same extent), Omaha itself grows, tax revenue increases as a result, jobs are added, additional development occurs as a result. It’s literally a win-win for everyone. Yet people constantly drone on and on about it as if it’s being “abused” with nearly every project (often the “classy” uninformed people posting in the comments on the World Herald site in my experience).

I intentionally didn’t quote any comment in my reply. This isn’t a comment directed toward any single person (though there is a cringeworthy comment above from a couple years ago that motivated me to make this post). I’m just saying if you think the project is somehow abusing TIF because it’s a casino, maybe read up on how TIF actually works and what the benefits are before publicly posting a complaint about it.

Just my 2 cents.

You should have called them out. The anti TIF people seriously need to shut the |expletive| up and learn how it works. TIF is not a handout and has done a lot of great things in our community.

Dundeemaha · Post by **Dundeemaha** » Thu Dec 29, 2022 6:41 am

It's not completely free money, but it is a handout. Be honest.

I'm for TIF I think it's important that we have policies in place that support urban infill over greenfield development.

If we did not offer this handout then development would still happen, almost certainly it would be smaller scale. The developers would pay for the TIF eligible costs out of normal loans instead of TIF loans and as soon as the construction was complete the additional property tax revenue would flow to the schools and city instead of to paying off those loans.

Hopefully with TIF the increase in development means higher property values for the surrounding existing buildings and higher property values in 15-20 years from the larger scale new development. I think it will, so I think TIF is a good policy.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Thu Dec 29, 2022 7:42 am

I don't think I'd call it a hand out still. It's simply better financing than what most people/corporations can get themselves in addition to what the project has already secured (they are required to have secured funding for the project before they can qualify for TIF). The amount of TIF a project qualifies for is based on a number of things including the projected valuation of a property in ~15 years (in general anyway).

Either way, it pays for itself making it a solid investment and incentives redevelopment. It is definitely a huge benefit to the city (IMO).

If anyone wants to actually read up on it, the info can be found here: https://planninghcd.cityofomaha.org/tif

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Feb 27, 2023 6:34 pm

Q Street shut down near Ralston for long-term development

Q Street commuters into Ralston will need to find an alternate route for the next few months.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Oct 20, 2023 6:45 pm

Sports betting approved for Omaha’s WarHorse Casino

Sports betting is taking the field in Omaha after Nebraska state regulators gave approval to WarHorse Casino Friday. Sports fans can place wagers on the field of the Horsemen’s Park track as early as November.